ISO Decisions and Preferences with Canon EOS R6

ISO Decisions and Preferences with Canon EOS R Cameras

ISO Decision Canon EOS R6 © Vernon Chalmers for Canon South Africa

Using Auto-ISO versus a Fix ISO in Canon EOS R6

For Birds and Birds in Flight Photography, Woodbridge Island | Cape Town 

I regularly make reference to my Auto-ISO preference for birds in flight photography at Woodbridge Island, Cape Town - and from time to time perched birds with Auto-ISO.

I generally use apertures (f/stops) between f/4 – 6.3 (depending on the lens used). Shutter speeds are mainly set between 1/2500 – 1/3200 depending on the light (and for covering most of the bird speeds). 

Please Note: Above settings (recommendations) are just for birds / birds in flight handheld (no tripod or other assistance).

This changed (using Auto-ISO) for the first time in many years after reviewed the Canon EOS R6 for Canon South Africa. Fortunately this was nothing to do with the impressive Canon EOS R6 Full Frame body, but rather the RF 600mm f/11 IS STM / RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lenses I was given for a review in rather poor light conditions at the time (note: both lenses have a fix aperture o f/11).

This was the first time ever I have prepared for perched birds / birds in flight photography with such a small aperture. A major concern was the fix f/11-stop at such long focal lengths for the absolute atrocious winter light (and the dark backgrounds in the Table Bay Nature Reserve further down the Diep River).

Grey Heron  Woodbridge Island Canon EOS R6 / RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens : ISO 640 / 1/2500s

The first morning I went out with the Canon R6 and the RF 600mm f/11 IS STM lens and I had high hopes that the Canon EOS Full Frame sensor at f/11 and Auto-ISO should be acceptable.

 

The results were far from acceptable. The Auto-ISO average was at ISO 3200 and shutter speeds were between 1/2500 – 1/3200).

The following morning I used a fix ISO between 640 – 800. Eventually settling with ISO 640 / f/11 / 1/3200s (to cover the different speeds as I would do with any other EOS and my f/4 – f/6.3 apertures and 1/2500 – 1/4000 shutter speeds on the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5L IS USM and EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lenses.

Canon EOS R6 First Impressions and Sample Images >>
I concluded the 'winter week' at shooting mostly at ISO 640, due to the poor light, but was satisfied of what the two RF lenses delivered attached to the Canon EOS R6.

Taking advantage of Auto ISO - Official Canon Article >>

Page Image Information : Birds / Birds in Flight Photography (Woodbridge Island / Cape Town)

Image 1: Cape canary with Canon EOS R6 / RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens

Image 2: Grey heron in flight with Canon EOS R6  / RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens

Image 3: Cape reed warbler with Canon EOS R6 / RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens

ISO Decisions and Preferences with Canon EOS R6 / RF Lens 800mm f/11IS STM Lens

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town

Thoughts on Atmospheric Conditions for Photographers

Planning  / Conditions for Photographers 

Notes on Planning and Application for the Serious Photographer - Copyright Vernon Chalmers

Earlier this morning I posted about a question of any 'Photoshop' applied in one of my in-flight images - with the intention of asking if the image was manipulated in any way.

Read: Bird in Flight image photoshopped or not?

As a photographer I am a little concerned that people would think like that, but nevertheless see it as a compliment - especially where the photographer planned for achieving specific results.

For my own birds in flight photography around Woodbridge Island, Cape Town I look at two environmental variables very seriously: (i) available morning light and (ii) atmospheric conditions (wind / sun / clouds et al) before going out for a session.

My 'check' for best value photography is seen in the attached image: for the absolute best conditions this is what I look / plan for (when I look out the window). So its quite possible that some people may think Photoshop played any role in the outcome of certain images.

Unfortunately, days like this on the image is far and few between. I wait it out and when the going is good, I get going. It doesn't mean we don't should around here in any other conditions.

It is also important to note that the serious photographer should be able to shoot in many different light conditions. Light is probably our biggest advantage, but without appropriate light, the challenges will increase thinking and planning (without rushing out to purchase higher-quality equipment).

We all use different levels of post-processing . I believe the serious photographer will (only) attempt to improve the well-planned shot in terms of slight adjustment(s) in the exposure and / or the composition, without altering the original 'naturalness' of the image.

Image created with Canon EOS 700D / Canon EF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens (on Manfrotto Compact tripod) from Arnhem Milnerton towards the main bridge at Woodbridge Island, Cape Town.

© Vernon Chalmers Photography

Source>>  Woodbridge Island Photography

Environmental Variables for Improved Birds in Flight Photography View

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens Hair Fashion

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens for Portrait and Fashion Photography

'A cost-effective small prime lens with lots of potential' - Vernon Chalmers

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens 
At first I didn't consider the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM prime / consumer lens as an option while planning for the 2015 Partners Hair Design Training Academy Graduation / Fashion Show in Cape Town.

Prime sharpness
My initial thoughts were that the Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM prime lens may be a tad short for this close-up hair fashion shooting application, but as a fast, sharp and small non-zoom lens it could just be good enough for the catwalk (if I could move with the action). With all the confidence in the world I paired it with the EOS 70D; using the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens on the Canon EOS 6D for the group / wider angle shots.

Just love 85mm... after shooting with 400mm for months

Great value and sharpness for a consumer lens and I am sure there are a few similar priced Sigma and or Tamron 85mm lenses that could possibly do the same job. If you're prepared to learn how to zoom with your feet the 85mm focal length could work well on full frame / crops bodies (85mm on full frame vs 136mm on APS-C / crop when considering the crop factor of 1.6).

Canon 70D / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens For Hair Fashion Action

Hair-raising action photography

The main goal of covering the event was an all-round documentation of the show, guests, graduates and hair models. The biggest challenge was to shoot the extravagant hair designs with the 85mm lens on the crop-sensor Canon EOS 70D. Throughout the rehearsal I realized that it could be done as long as I move close enough with the models.

First image below is non-flash / non-action, but the others are all faster action walking / panning with the models (bounced flash). The last shot was captured during the rehearsal - no flash.

I did not really feel the need to use the Canon EOS 7D Mark II as I trusted the EOS 70D's AF and AI Servo to deliver within the same image quality parameters.

All Canon Equipment Used (during the show)

• Canon EOS 6D
• Canon EOS 70D
• Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens
• Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 Usm lens
• Canon Speedlite 430EX II flash
• Canon Speedlite 270EX II flash

Canon EOS 70D / Lens Settings

• Shutter speed: 1/60s 
• Aperture: f/4
• ISO 100 - 1600
• Focal length 85mm (Canon prime lens)
• Single Shot shooting / AI Servo Mode
• Single-Point Autofocus / Lens AF on

(Click To Enlarge)

Canon EOS 70D  / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM prime Lens (f/4  ISO 400)

Canon EOS 70D  / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM prime Lens (f/4  ISO 400)

Canon EOS 70D  / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM prime Lens (f/4  ISO 400)

Canon EOS 70D  / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM prime Lens (f/4  ISO 400)

Canon EOS 70D  / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM prime Lens (f/4  ISO 400)

Canon EOS 70D  / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM prime Lens (f/4  ISO 100)

© Vernon Chalmers for Partners Hair Design Training Academy Cape Town

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens Reviews

Early Morning Good / or Poor Light for White Birds

Light Conditions for Predominantly White Birds in Flight at Woodbridge Island

Little egret in good morning light at Woodbridge Island

I only attempt to photograph (predominantly) white birds (in flight) early mornings – for reducing over-exposure. I don’t make any changes to my camera settings and are guided by natural light and weather conditions.

I may at times (in deteriorating light) lower the shutter speed to bring the ISO down (for birds in flight), other than that, I ‘focus’ on about everything else, but the camera. Over the years I’ve learned to trust my equipment to deliver within its exposure / performance parameters (after making the decision to go out birding – irrespective of conditions).

Being in a position to evaluate the most suitable conditions from 'higher-up' (as a definite advantage) before I go out with an estimated Auto-ISO 320 - 800 range for birds in flight. With darker backgrounds this may go up to as high as ISO 1200 - 2000 (or a bit higher). With darker backgrounds this may go up to as high as ISO 1200 - 2000+.

The last image here represents my ideal light / weather conditions shooting opportunity (this is what I see before making a decision for a serious personal early morning shoot down the river).

Very early morning summer light, poor light or foggy weather are my preferred conditions for the egrets and the occasional ibis.

Image 3 and 4 are captured in poor light / weather conditions where I was either in training with someone or the fog rolled in.

Image 1: Little egret in good morning light (based on the conditions as assessed in image 4)

Image 2: African sacred ibis in poor light (with no choice in conditions)

Image 3: Little egret appeared as the fog was rolling in

Image 4: The most conducive early-morning conditions before making a decision for a serious personal shoot

* All images over the Diep River / Woodbridge Island

High-quality crisp morning light will always be a priority over technology for me – and therefore I don’t have the need to own the latest equipment.

I respect the fact that many bird photographers may not always be in a position to select the light / conditions of their choice – and therefore may be required to invest in camera gear that can handle much higher ISO's in poor / low light.

On many occasions I do go out (with clients or on my own) to shoot in adverse conditions to learn (and to make settings adjustment(s) if required - depending on the equipment in hand).

I have also learned there is no such thing as a perfect image... get as close as you can to an ‘ideal exposure’ in terms of subject / conditions and just enjoy the moment(s).

Canon Equipment

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR Camera Body
• Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

AF / Manual Exposure Mode Settings

• Shutter speed: 1/2500 - 1/3200s
• Aperture: f/5.6 - f/6.3
• Focal length 400mm
• Auto-White Balance (AWB)
• Auto ISO (320 - 1000)
• AF Mode: Zone / Wide Zone
• AF Case: Case 1 (Default)
• AI Servo / 10fps multi-shot
• RAW processing (shooting to RAW only)
• Handheld

© Vernon Chalmers Photography

African sacred ibis in poor light conditions

Little egret as the fog rolled in

Above Woodbridge Island : Good conditions for Birds in Flight Photography 

Canon EOS / Canon EOS R / Powershot Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town | Across the Cape Peninsula

All Images Copyright / Intellectual Property of Vernon Chalmers More Information >

Vernon Chalmers Photography in Top 100 Photography RSS Feeds

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Included in Top 100 Photography RSS Feeds (Websites / Blogs)

Not as highly ranked as my Canon Camera News website (23rd position) – in the global Camera Category, but the VCP website is currently in the 77th position (in the global Photography category) - an improvement of 5 places during the last month.

From Feedspot: "The best Photography RSS feed list curated from thousands of RSS feeds on the web and ranked by traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness."

A big 'Thank You' again to all of my clients, regular visitors and supporter visiting the Vernon Chalmers Photography Training website for Canon Camera / Photography Training information and related resources.

Source / Reference>> Feedspot Top 100 Photography RSS Feeds

Tips | Settings for New Year's Eve Fireworks Photography

How to Shoot a Fireworks Display : Bulb Mode / Long Exposure Photography 

Canon EOS Bulb Mode Settings for Photographing Fireworks 

Fireworks Photography : Canon EOS 700D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens

Getting ready for capturing NYE Fireworks? A few quick tips / settings to get new photographers going with photographing firework displays. 

How to shoot NYE Fireworks?

Canon EOS DSLR Settings for attached photographs:

• Bulb Mode
• Shutter Speed +- 4 - 6 seconds
• Aperture f/8 - f/11
• IS0 100 - 200
• Manual focus
• RAW

A sturdy tripod is essential. I've used a cable release (optional). No built-in or Speedlite flash.

More Firework Photography Images >>

Any DSLR's should be good to go (most compacts as well).

Lens selection will be distance-dependent. Setup +- 30 minutes before the event and take a few test shots.

Fireworks Photography : Canon EOS 700D / EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM lens

Fireworks / Long Exposure Image Below: I've used my Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens at +- 250mm (app 1.5 kilometres from fireworks over Woodbridge Island towards the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town - captured from Arnhem Milnerton).

Best Vantage Points for Cape Town NYE Fireworks (not close to the V&A Waterfront)
Should you wish not to drive / go into the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town for photographing the NYE Fireworks, the Milnerton areas between Lagoon Beach and Milnerton Beach (Woodbridge Island) should provide for plenty opportunities for setting up tripods (with a clear view towards the V&A Waterfront).

Lagoon Beach / Milnerton Beach / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town Google Map

Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens : V&A Waterfront, Cape Town NYE
Fireworks Display 

Long Exposure / Night Photography Setup & Tips View

Flamingos returning to the Milnerton Lagoon

Encouraging News : Flamingos Returning to the Milnerton Lagoon, Woodbridge Island

Greater Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon (2015)

With the ongoing sewage / poor water conditions in the Milnerton Lagoon opposite Woodbridge Island I have witnessed (9/12/2022) larger pods of greater flamingos than usual during this miserable and extended period.

Hopefully this is a sign of improved water conditions due to current interventions at the Potsdam Wastewater Treatment plant (and other areas along the Diep River / Table Bay Nature Reserve).

The larger flamingo numbers could also just perhaps be random due to current weather / lower wind conditions here – hopefully it’s a (sustainable) combination of positive human intervention and weather conditions across the area.

Update: 'Fearless Flamingos'

I received an important comment / update from one of my readers on my Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Facebook Page / and my posting on Birdlife South Africa's Facebook Group re the flamingo's tolerance for poor water quality. Also, all other posts on Facebook re the 'returning flamingos' now offers this update.

Flamingo species are tolerant of extremely poor water quality - as published by The Observer "Africa’s most toxic lakes are a paradise for fearless flamingos" (Source: The Conversation)

Current Pollution / Sewage Situation at Milnerton Lagoon, Woodbridge Island

Since 2016 / 2017 we have seen a definite decline in the abundance of bird species / and general bird life around the Diep River, Milnerton Lagoon and Table Bay Nature Reserve area. 

As a bird photographer residing here (and training other bird photographers) around the Milnerton Lagoon / Diep River / Table Bay Nature Reserve  (just across Woodbridge Island) it is a real shame to have witnessed the deterioration of this significant natural ecosystem in Cape Town.      

Poor Water / Sewage Management into the Milnerton Lagoon >>

Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town >>

Red-billed teal ducks in flight, Intaka Island

Red-Billed Teal Ducks in Flight - Intaka Island, Cape Town

Red-Billed Teal Ducks, Intaka Island - Copyright Vernon Chalmers Photography

Spent some real quality time (in exquisite light), during a Canon Camera Practical Photography  Training Session, at Century City's Intaka Island, Cape Town, with special people at one of the Intaka Island bird hides.

It was my first time back at Intaka Island since my friend Joseph Inns passed away in 2021 - and I could not have asked for better company (and compassion) for overcoming this challenge this afternoon.

Photography Training Session Intaka Island >>

Canon Camera / Lens Settings

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II Body
• EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
• Manual Mode
• Auto-ISO: 320
• Aperture: f/5.6
• Shutter Speed: 1/2500
• AI Servo: Case 1: Wide Zone
• 10 fps High Speed Continuous Mode
• Handheld

Lightroom Post-Processing
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC 11.4: Cropping. Colour correction / noise reduction / lens profile correction and a few spot removals.

Vernon Chalmers Birds / Birds in Flight Photography Training Intaka Island

Birdwatching at Intaka Island, Cape Town

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Cape Town >>

Intaka Island Bird Species Index >>

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden Bird Species Index >>

Woodbridge Island, Milnerton Bird Species Index >>

Photography Training Session Intaka Island

 Canon Camera Bird Photography Practical Training Intaka Island

Vernon Chalmers Birdlife Photography Intaka Island, Cape Town

African Sacred Ibis in Flight Intaka Island, Cape Town 

I generally facilitate most of my Birds / Birds in Flight Photography Training at Woodbridge Island, Milnerton, Cape Town. during early December 2022 I had an opportunity for a client practical photography training session at Intaka Island, Century City, Cape Town.

Intaka Island Photography Training Objective
This practical and hands-on training session was an opportunity for my clients to experiment with Canon camera Manual Mode and Aperture Priority (Av) Mode settings for water birds and / or birds in flight. We settled in the bird watching / photography hide facing away from the sun and was greeting with quite exquisite afternoon light.

I have taken a few birds / birds in flight shots during the photography training session and herewith a list of the Intaka Island birds (top to bottom) and the general Canon camera / lens settings I personally used for all the birds in this post:

Birds / Birds in Flight Intaka Island

• African Sacred Ibis
• White-Breasted Cormorants
• Juvenile Black-Crowned Night Heron
• Common Moorhen
• Little Egret
• Red-Billed Teal Ducks
• White-Breasted Cormorant
• Yellow-Billed Duck
• White-Breasted Cormorant
• Juvenile Common Moorhen
• Cape Wagtail
   
  
  

Canon Camera / Lens Settings Intaka Island 

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II Body
• EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
• Manual Mode
• Auto-ISO: 250 - 800 
• Aperture: f/5.6
• Shutter Speed: 1/2500
• AI Servo: Case 1: Wide Zone
• 10 fps High Speed Continuous Mode
• Handheld

Lightroom Post-Processing
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC 11.4: Cropping. Colour correction / noise reduction / lens profile correction and a few spot removals.

Image Copyright
All Images Copyright Vernon Chalmers Photography

Afternoon Birds / Birds in Flight Images (After 17:00) At Intaka Island, Cape Town 

White-Breasted Cormorants Getting ready for 'battle' Intaka Island, Cape Town

(Juvenile) Black-Crowned Night Heron Intaka Island, Cape Town

Common Moorhen Intaka Island, Cape Town

Little Egret in Flight Intaka Island, Cape Town

Red-Billed Teal Ducks in Flight Intaka Island, Cape Town

White-Breasted Cormorant in Flight Intaka Island, Cape Town

Yellow-Billed Duck Intaka Island, Cape Town

White-Breasted Cormorant Portrait Intaka Island, Cape Town

Juvenile Common Moorhen Intaka Island, Cape Town

Cape Wagtail at Intaka Island, Cape Town

Birdlife at Intaka Island, Cape Town

Vernon Chalmers Birds / Birds in Flight Photography Training Intaka Island

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Cape Town >>

Intaka Island Bird Species Index >>

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden Bird Species Index >>

Woodbridge Island, Milnerton Bird Species Index >>

Follow-up on the Real Estate Photography Project

Real Estate Photography / Interior Decor Cape Town

Earlier in the week I made reference to my formal entry into real estate photography. This has now become a much bigger project than what I have previously envisaged.

Although I am not entirely new to interior real estate photography (Arnhem, Milnerton) I had to follow my own advice in Cape Town of first taking a complete series of 'record shots' (and more) – in interior environments which were totally different than my own expectations.

Important Real Estate Photography criteria: 

• The practice of modern and stylish interior photography is much more than just placing the tripod at certain angles for capturing décor, interior space(s), colours and available (ambient) light. 
• What the eyes see via the camera’s Live View LCD screen is not necessarily the same view that will be displayed on a computer screen (in preparation for RAW post-processing). 
• Balancing available light (with interior décor / space) is one of the most important considerations (and challenge) for this type of photography genre.
• Working with an interior décor stylist / co-ordinator throughout the entire process provides the photographer with focus on specific areas of aesthetic importance and required attention to detail. 

Property | Real Estate / Interior Decor Photography Training More

I know the client quite well and quickly assessed the required detailed expectations, aesthetics and various image objectives. Working with an interior décor stylist who creatively defined requirements and current / future objectives (wrt other properties) made the shoot more focused and relaxed.

The primary camera and lens combination I settled with for the final shoot this coming week is the Canon EOS 6D / EF 16-35mm f/4 IS USM lens ultra-wide angle lens. The EF 24-70mm lens is too limited for the larger spaces. I may use my EF prime lenses (50 - 85mm focal length range) for capturing specific 'framed' features.

Attached record image: quick handheld (no Speedlite flash) with Canon EOS 6D / EF 16-35mm lens

Real Estate Photography Cape Town : Staircase with Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens

Real Estate | Property Photography Training Cape Town View >>

Canon EOS 7D Mark II For Birds in Flight Photography

Thoughts on Ownership / Autofocus Application

Canon EOS 7D Mark II AF System Application For Birds in Flight Photography

Thoughts on Ownership / Autofocus Application
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II was launched on 15 September 2014 with an extraordinary sense of anticipation on many levels. None more so than for the advanced 65-Point Autofocus (AF) System (very similar to that of the 61-Point AF System that was implemented in the EOS-1D X and EOS 5D Mark III).

Soon after the release I started reading about a number of new 7D Mark II owners experiencing soft focus and various other related problems - some were very serious, to such an extend that in certain isolated cases Canon exchanged the bodies. I was naturally concerned, but did not have a body for any of my own testing.

I was fortunate enough to receive a demonstration Canon EOS 7D Mark II body paired with the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM prime lens (which was launched more / less at the same time) from Canon South Africa.  I collected the kit from one of our local retailers for a couple of days of testing - mainly for Birds in Flight photography. During the testing period the combination performed flawlessly with no AF or other issues. The winter weather was absolutely appalling around Woodbridge Island, Cape Town, but I managed a few outings and compiled an article - Canon EOS 7D Mark II - First Impressions and Test Shoots.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens

A few weeks later I ordered my own Canon EOS 7D Mark II and paired it with my Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens that I've been using with an EOS 70D with very good results. I was concerned about the earlier AF issue reports, but after the first outing my concerns where put to rest - Canon EOS 7D Mark II : AI Servo Autofocus / FPS Test.

I use the Canon EOS 7D Mark II in many of my Birds in Flight Photography workshops as an advanced AF System reference, also assisting new owners of Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and Canon EOS-1D X Mark II bodies. I have never felt that the Canon EOS 7D Mark II was inadequate or not up to standard against any other advanced Canon EOS AF System - neither in the classroom nor in the field.

Two cost-effective Canon lens options for Birds in Flight Photography

In my opinion the Canon EOS 7D Mark II is an exceptional camera when paired with a fast lens and used in good light conditions - the rest is really up to the skill levels of the photographer. In 2018 I did an article on my long-time experience with the Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.5L USM lens - Long-Term Use and Experience.

NEW: Canon Camera System Change - From DSLR to Mirrorless

Canon EOS 7D Mark II Birds in Flight Gallery

Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f//5.6L USM Lens

AF System Configurations - Keep It Simple
New owners coming from i.e. the Canon EOS 7D or Canon EOS 70D were generally overwhelmed by the advanced 65-Point AF system with its various configurations, AF Modes and AF Cases.

 I often see in my workshops and private training how users have completely over-configured the AF System with practically no advantage - just more confusion and frustration.

My suggestion to new owners is to use the default settings and only do configurations with the AF Mode (i/e. Zone or Extended Zone for Birds in Flight Photography). This works much better - over time we look at specif areas for improvement.

Up to today I still use the default AF Case (Case 1) - with the only adjustments I will make from time to time (depending on the bird) is the AF mode. For the majority of the time I use the Large Zone AF - all images on this page was captured with Large Zone AF Mode.

AF Recommendations
I have written extensively on this website about my settings, configurations and approach with the EOS 7D Mark II, especially with regard to Birds in Flight Photography. Follow the various links to read more about my application, setup and tips. With Manual Mode, AI Servo and default AF System settings the images on this page should be more than achievable - Testimony of the Modern AF System: Canon EOS 7D Mark II.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Start by shooting with the default settings to check camera and lens behaviour. For me, more important than the configurations and settings of the AF System are the various Tracking Variables. In this article I have made no reference to camera / AF settings - mostly just behavioural and environmental considerations for improving application and skills.

Spend a lot of time on one set of settings before changing over to any other setting or configuration. I tell students / delegates not to change anything for weeks at ta time - first master exposure settings and the tracking variables and learn why certain things happen the way they do.

Learn about aperture and the impact of depth of field on the background when shooting fast moving subjects. Learn about the importance and effect of various shutter speeds on the wingtips and then also the impact of ISO / Auto-ISO in changing light / weather conditions. With the EOS 7D Mark II it is possible to use Auto-ISO in Manual Mode (as with Av or Tv Mode) - just be aware that with a fast shutter speed of i.e. 1/4000s the ISO could potentially go up to more than ISO 1000. In good light, with a 1/3200s or 1/4000s shutter speed, my Auto-ISO is generally between ISO 500 - 800. All birds in flight images on this page are within these ISO parameters.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Post- Processing

We all have our own approach to post-processing our images. I try and spend as little as possible time with Lightroom post-processing and therefore believe that a well planned shoot (in good light if possible) will minimize the time I spend the time in fine-tuning my RAW files.

Body / Lens AF Micro-Adjustment
Most advanced EOS bodies are equip with an AF Micro-Adjustment function that could be used to configure and micro adjust various body and lens pairings. I have spent quite a bit of time learning and understanding the workings of Reikan FoCal - the automatic focus calibration software, but up to date use my EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens without any micro adjustments.

In my opinion it is not required on my pairing and therefore just shoot with the default settings. AF Micro Adjustment may be required in some cases, but before doing so spend enough time mastering the many other challenges of Birds in Flight photography and then pin-point the reason(s) for Body / Lens Micro-Adjustment.

Canon EOS 7D Mark III?
There is quite an anticipation for the possible release of the Canon EOS 7D Mark III. Like everybody else, I'm keeping an eye on the developments and have written about my thoughts on a possible future release- Canon EOS 7D Mark III Wish List for birds in Flight Photography.

All images on this page Copyright Vernon Chalmers (with Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens)

Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Birds in Flight Photography Learning Resources

Learning Canon EOS / EOS R Birds in Flight Photography

Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm Lens : 120 Image Gallery

A listing of birds in flight resources to assist the new photographer with the following:

• Canon EOS Autofocus Resources
• How to photograph birds in flight
• Birds in flight photography setup and tips
• Exposure settings for birds in flight photography

On this page and the website are various links and articles on the different Canon EOS bodies and lenses I personally use with all my birds in flight photography.

Birds in Flight Photography Training>>

Supporting documents made available from:

• Canon USA / Other Canon websites
• Canon Camera News 2018
• Vernon Chalmers Photography 
• Various other websites 

Canon AF Series: How Does Traditional SLR AF Work?
Canon USA

CF / SD Memory Card Speed Tests
CF/ Memory Card Speed Tests

Show Focus Points for Adobe Lightroom Version 1.01
This free plug-in is an easy and quick installation via the Lightroom Plug-In Manager and then provides access to your camera's focus points via the Library Module.  Read More / Download Focus Points for Adobe Lightroom Version

Canon AutoFocus System Resources

AF Settings Guidebooks (65-Point / 61-Point AF Systems)

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II 
• Canon EOS 5D Mark III 
• Canon EOS-1D X 
• Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

Canon EOS AF Microadjustment Guidebook

• Canon EOS AF Microadjustment Guidebook 
• Canon EOS AF Microadjustment Guidebook Mobile Version

With Canon EOS 7D Matk II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

How AF Systems Work
Official Canon article detailing the application / function of the modern AF System
Canon Europe

Quick Guide to Accurate EOS Autofocus Read

Quick Guide to AI Servo Mode AF Tracking Read

Understanding Camera Autofocus

A general guide for understanding camera AF
Cambridge In Colour

How to use Autofocus with moving subjects Read

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs EOS 5D Mark III: 21 Differences Read

AF Comparison Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EOS 5D Mark III / 1D X View

Canon EOS-1D X and EOS 5D III AF Point Management Read

Configuring your Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF for fast action Read

Custom AF Case - Birds in Flight Settings for Canon EOS 5D Mark III Read

Canon EOS 7D Mark II: Difference in Zone AF and AF Point Expansion

Official Canon article explaining the difference between Zone AF / AF Point Expansion
Canon USA 

Taking advantage of Auto ISO: Canon’s EOS-1D X, EOS 5D Mark III and EOS 6D Read

Canon EOS 7D Mark II - Auto ISO 500

Using Auto-ISO with the Canon EOS 7D Mark II Read

Canon EOS 7D Mark II Birds in Flight AF How to...

• Capturing Birds Gliding in the Sky 
• Capturing Dynamics Shots of Birds In The Sky

Introduction to the Canon EOS 80D 45-Point AF system
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Canon EOS 90D Performance Features
Canon USA

Back-Button AF Explained
Back-Button AF Explained

Photography-On-The-Net Resources
Canon EOS Digital Cameras (All current / most older EOS bodies)
Discussions / technical questions with answers
Canon Bodies

Canon EF / EF-S Lenses (All current / most older EF lenses)
Discussions / technical questions with answers
Canon Lenses

Canon Telephoto RF Lenses Professional Reviews
Canon RF Lens Reviews 

Tracking slower flying birds at higher shutter speeds

Lens Sample Photo Archive
Image samples / discussions from Canon and other lenses Lens samples

Tracking Variables for Improved Birds in Flight Photography Read

Canon EOS Setup and Tips For Birds in Flight Photography Read

New Canon EOS R Rumors & Announcement Updates Read